Saturday, January 17, 2015

Patriotic Internet

Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky has called for the creation of a "patriotic Internet" to combat Western ideas, adding that those who are against Russia are against the truth. Russia needs to "consolidate the state and society on the basis of values instilled by our history," according to a statement released Tuesday and published on the website of a military historical society chaired by Medinsky. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and other public figures also put their names to the statement, which added: "Against us — and that means against the truth — a new blitzkrieg has begun."

As Moscow's relations with the West grow fetid over the Ukrainian crisis, Russian officials have increasingly called for "patriotic" education, media and cultural projects, while shutting down a number of reputable websites that had criticized Moscow's policies. Last spring, a Russian senator also proposed creating a Russia-only Internet that would be shut off from the U.S. and EU and suggested the service could be named after the popular children's cartoon character Cheburashka.

^ This is one of the dumbest ideas I have heard in some time. If Russia creates a "patriotic" internet it will only reinforce the strong totalitarian polices that are bubbling to the surface. The Russian people aren't stupid and most remember Soviet times and having to read between the lines to learn the truth. They will be able to do the same in something like this. ^